Few dishes capture the perfect balance of crispiness, tang, and heat quite like Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Buffalo Wings. These wings combine citrusy brightness, bold black pepper, and rich buttery heat – all without deep frying. Whether you’re hosting game day or craving a flavorful snack, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings right from your kitchen.
What Makes These Lemon Pepper Wet Wings Special?
The secret to perfectly crispy wings? Baking powder. Coating the wings in a blend of baking powder and seasonings before baking creates a golden-brown, crispy texture without excess oil. These oven-baked wings stay juicy inside while developing a crunchy exterior that holds up beautifully to the sauce.
The wings are then coated in a rich, tangy lemon pepper sauce that combines fresh lemon juice, bold black pepper, and smooth melted butter. A splash of hot sauce brings the heat, while a touch of honey adds subtle sweetness. The result? Crispy, saucy wings bursting with bold, dynamic flavors.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Wings
Creating the ultimate crispy baked wings is simple and straightforward:
- Pat the wings dry – Remove excess moisture for better crisping
- Coat with baking powder and seasonings – Create the perfect crispy crust
- Bake at high heat (400°F/200°C) – Crisp the outside while keeping the inside juicy
- Toss in buttery lemon pepper sauce – Finish with a flavorful butter, garlic, lemon, and pepper glaze
The Key to Flavor: Homemade Lemon Pepper Sauce
The signature lemon pepper wet sauce takes these wings to the next level. Unlike dry-rub versions, this wet sauce coats each wing in a buttery, citrusy glaze that delivers maximum flavor. Here’s what makes it irresistible:
- Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice – Bright acidity and citrus aroma
- Coarse Black Pepper – Bold, peppery warmth
- Garlic & Butter – Rich, savory depth
- Hot Sauce & Honey – Perfect balance of heat and sweetness
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, oven-baked perfection – No deep fryer needed
- Bold, zesty flavor profile – Fresh lemon and cracked black pepper take center stage
- Perfect party food – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day or casual get-togethers
- Customizable heat level – Make them as mild or spicy as you like
Serve these Lemon Pepper Wet Buffalo Wings piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or lemon zest on top. Don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping – it takes these wings to the next level.
Who needs a deep fryer when you can make perfectly crispy wings in your oven? With the right technique and bold seasonings, these homemade wings rival any restaurant version. The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and bright lemon-pepper creates an irresistible flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting game day or just craving some seriously good wings, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of zest, heat, and crunch.
Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Buffalo Wings
4
servings1
hour15
minutes45
minutes2
hoursOven-Baked Lemon Pepper Wet Buffalo Wings, featuring crispy and zesty chicken wings coated in a luscious homemade sauce that harmonizes tangy lemon, bold black pepper, and savory garlic for an irresistibly flavorful bite.
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves of garlic, minced
to taste, salt
for garnish, chopped fresh parsley
- For the Lemon Pepper Seasoning
4 tablespoons lemon zest (from ~5 lemons)
4 tablespoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Directions
- Dry Lemon Zest:
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread the lemon zest evenly on a baking sheet and place it in the oven for about 1 hour to dry it out. - Prepare the Lemon Pepper Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the dried lemon zest, ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create your homemade lemon pepper seasoning. Set it aside. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly grease the rack with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. - Coat the Wings with Seasoning:
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken wings, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat the wings evenly. Then, generously coat the wings with half of the lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring they are well covered. - Arrange the Wings on the Wire Rack:
Place the seasoned wings on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not touching each other. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up the wings. - Bake the Wings:
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until they are crispy and fully cooked. - Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
While the wings are baking, melt the unsalted butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in the lemon juice, the rest of the homemade lemon pepper seasoning, hot sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce is well combined, heated through, and the garlic is fragrant. Adjust the seasoning and spiciness to your taste. - Coat the Baked Wings with Sauce:
Once the wings are crispy and cooked, remove them from the oven. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Toss the baked wings with the lemon pepper sauce until they are evenly coated. - Serve:
Enjoy the wings hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Recipe Video
@hecooksco Talk about an explosion of feisty flavors… these Lemon Pepper Wet Buffalo Wings deliver! The key ingredient is, uh, lemons, duh. But, it’s so much more exciting than that. I zested several of the fruit to make my own lemon pepper seasoning. It really takes this recipe to the next level! And then, the crispy baked wings are coated in a luscious, aromatic lemon pepper sauce, for two layers of powerful flavors. Give it a try! What do ya say? INGREDIENTS For the Wings: 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats 1 tablespoon baking powder 1⁄4 cup lemon pepper seasoning 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter 1⁄4 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1⁄4 cup honey 3 cloves of garlic, minced to taste, salt for garnish, chopped fresh parsley For the Lemon Pepper Seasoning: 4 tablespoons lemon zest (from ~5 lemons) 4 tablespoons ground black pepper 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder Full recipe at www.hecooks.co #hecooks #homechef #recipe #recipesoftiktok #recipevideo #lemonpepper #lemonpepperwings #lemonpepperwet #buffalowings #chickenwings
♬ original sound – HE COOKS®️
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